How to unsend a WhatsApp message and what’s the time limit on ‘Delete for Everyone’?

WhatsApp has been letting users "unsend" messages since October 2017 but now the grace period has been extended from seven minutes to over an hour

By Danny De Vaal

6th March 2018, 3:53 pm

Updated: 6th March 2018, 3:54 pm

WE'VE all sent a message we've regretted and wished we could turn back time.

WhatsApp has been letting users "unsend" messages since October 2017 but now it is believed the app will extend the grace period from seven minutes to over an hour.

Getty - Contributor

We've all sent a message we've regretted and wished we could turn back time

What is the "unsend" feature?

It used to be the case that sending a WhatsApp message was final – no take-backs.

But in a bid to keep up with rival services, WhatsApp began offering an "unsend" feature that lets you delete a message for everyone.

There are plenty of reasons why you'd want to unsend a message: maybe you've drunk-texted an ex, or mistakenly called your boss something unpleasant in the work chat.

There's been no official announcement, but tech site WABetaInfo dug into the latest beta app update for WhatsApp and uncovered the change.

How to "unsend" a WhatsApp message?

So if you've sent a risky text or made a mistake the feature can save you a lot of embarrassment or explaining.

All you have to do to delete a message is hold the unwanted message down and a menu will appear - simply select "Delete for everyone" within the grace period and the message will be permanently deleted.

While the person you sent it to will not be able to see the message they will see in the conversation "This message was deleted".

You will also receive a notification if WhatsApp could not delete the message.

AFP or licensors

All you have to do to delete a message is hold the unwanted message down and a menu will appear - simply select "Delete for everyone" within the grace period and the message will be permanently deleted

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What's the time limit on "Delete Everything"

Currently WhatsApp gives users a seven minute grace period before it is impossible to delete their message.

So anything that is sent can be deleted permanently within seven minutes.

But Tech site WABeta Info say they the messaging service is planning to extend the grace period from seven minutes to 68 minutes and 16 seconds - which is normally ten times the current recall time.

The feature will still work in exactly the same way.

Corbis - Getty

Currently WhatsApp gives users a seven minute grace period before it is impossible to delete their message